[Gk. asphaltos, bitumen.] A kind of mineral pitch or compact native bitumen, found on the surface and shores of the Dead Sea, which is therefore called As-phaltites, or the Asphaltic Lake. It is found also in Asia, Europe, and America, there being a very extensive lake-like deposit of it in the island of Trinidad, West Indies. It is brittle, and of a black or brown color ; melts and burns when heated, leaving no residue. - Asphaltic cement is a composition of bitumen, pitch, lime, and gravel, used for forming pavements, and as a waterproof cement for bridges, roofs, etc. It has been of late years very largely used as a paving material in the United States and Europe.-Artificial asphalt is prepared from coal-tar, lime, and sand.